We Are Stronger Together

Written By Kevin Stone

I’m thrilled to share some important updates and initiatives that underscore ESA’s commitment to the electronic security and life safety industry. Our recent membership campaign garnered impressive support, culminating in a rewarding trip for some of our top-producing campaign volunteers. A big thank you to all involved, especially John Loud for his leadership and participation, and Jeanette Sybert for her outstanding campaign coordination. This success is a testament to the dedication and enthusiasm of our volunteers and staff, which continues to propel our growth as an association. 

This growth is vital for ESA as we diligently provide our industry with essential resources. Our goal to deliver training, education, connections, and advocacy is strengthened by the participation of our members and volunteers. I encourage everyone within the security community to engage with us—not only to contribute to ESA’s mission but to also benefit from the wealth of knowledge, tools, and support we offer. Together, we can amplify our collective influence and create a brighter future. 

Insights from the TMA Annual Meeting 

I had the pleasure of attending the TMA Annual Meeting recently, where there was exciting buzz surrounding the Automated Secure Alarm Protocol (ASAP) and the AVS-01 programs. 

Since its inception in 2011 as a public-private partnership, ASAP has aimed to increase the efficiency and reliability of emergency electronic signals from monitoring companies to Public Safety Answering Points (PSAPs), now known as Emergency Communication Centers (ECCs). ASAP streamlines the transmission of critical life safety signals, ensuring that accurate information reaches ECCs in seconds, not minutes. This breakthrough is possible thanks to ANSI standard protocols developed collaboratively by the Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials (APCO) and The Monitoring Association. By implementing ASAP, monitoring centers can significantly enhance their communication with ECCs, thereby saving precious time, improving accuracy, and boosting overall efficiency. 

AVS-01 provides a standardized method of creating an alarm scoring or classification metric for unauthorized human activity detected by alarm systems. It assists law enforcement with resource allocation and Call for Service prioritization. AVS-01 establishes standardized methods for calculating an alarm score, or classification level, resulting in a repeatable metric that estimates the validity or potential threat level of a burglar alarm activation using historical and real-time data. 

Now completed and implemented, Calls for Service to ECCs/PSAPs include the standardized scoring metric, which helps public safety departments with their alarm response policies. 

If your company is not yet familiar with the ASAP and AVS-01 initiatives, I strongly encourage you to learn about these programs. Familiarity with these protocols can lead to better operational practices and improved service delivery in our industry. 

A Call to Action 

I invite all industry professionals to get involved and support ESA and the industry. Whether through joining us as members or sharing your expertise, your participation is invaluable. Let’s work together to elevate our industry, embrace a collective mindset, and ensure the safety and security of those we serve. 

Thank you for your continued support and commitment to the electronic security and life safety field. Together, we can achieve remarkable outcomes!